"Our Government is committed to ensuring that Northerners have access to the same economic opportunities as all Canadians," said Minister Duncan. "This Act fulfills obligations flowing from land claims, and proposes mechanisms to improve regulatory processes, encourage investment, and allow resources to be developed in a sustainable manner. This will lead to jobs and benefits for future generations of Canadians."

Building on the Harper Government's 2010 Action Plan to Improve Northern Regulatory Regimes, the Northern Jobs and Growth Act includes the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act and the Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board Act, along with amendments related to the Yukon Surface Rights Board Act. Together, these measures fulfil outstanding legislative obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement as well as the Gwich'in and Sahtu Land Claim Agreements, and respond to calls for measures to streamline and improve regulatory processes in the North.

"These changes will help create a more stable investment climate in the North by increasing the predictability and efficiency of the review process for major northern projects," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council. "CanNor's Northern Projects Management Office will support these changes to the regulatory process by continuing to work with industry partners, Aboriginal communities, and territorial partners to foster economic development across the three territories."

The Northern Jobs and Growth Act was developed through unprecedented consultations with representatives of the territorial governments and key representatives of the Inuit of Nunavut and Aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories. It supports the objectives of Canada's Northern Strategy, namely, the promotion of social and economic development, protection of the North's environmental heritage, and the improvement and devolution of northern governance.

The Harper Government will continue to consult with the territorial governments and representatives of First Nations on further improvements to the regulatory regimes in the north that will encourage investment while ensuring resources are developed sustainably so that Northerners can achieve the prosperity they seek.